HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-29-26 Public Comment - L. Pennock - Attn_ Bozeman City Commission, Re_ Trapping in BozemanFrom:Lizzy Pennock
To:Bozeman Public Comment
Subject:[EXTERNAL]Attn: Bozeman City Commission, Re: Trapping in Bozeman
Date:Friday, May 29, 2026 2:17:58 PM
Attachments:Trapping letter to Custer Gallatin _ WildEarth Guardians.pdf
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Hi,
My name is Lizzy and I work with WildEarth Guardians to protect wildlife in the state of Montana. We
have just sent a letter to Mr. Jedra, Supervisor of the Custer Gallatin National Forest, urging him to ban
trapping in areas of Bozeman that overlap with the Custer Gallatin National Forest to better protect
families and their pets who recreate in these areas from cruel and indiscriminate traps used by a tiny, tiny
number of Montanans (a few hundred people trap statewide). The letter is attached for your reference.
Thank you,
Lizzy
--
Lizzy Pennock she/her
Carnivore Coexistence Attorney
WildEarth Guardians
Phone: (406) 830-8924
Email: lpennock@wildearthguardians.org
May 29th, 2026
Mr. Matt Jedra
Custer Gallatin National Forest Supervisor
10E Babcock St., Bozeman MT 59715
Dear Mr. Jedra,
Across Bozeman, people recreate with their dogs and their families on public lands managed by the
Forest Service, seeking peace, enjoyment, and exercise. But their physical and mental safety are
constantly at risk because of indiscriminate trapping across public lands, including those in the
Custer Gallatin National Forest.
On behalf of the community, we write to you to urge an end to trapping on public lands managed
by the Forest Service in Bozeman, specifically in the Sourdough area, the Hyalite Canyon, and the
Bridger Range.
It is Forest Service policy to consider and act upon attitudes in surrounding communities. The
overwhelming majority of people across Montana and in the areas surrounding the Custer Gallatin
do not trap wildlife and do not tolerate others trapping wildlife, according to recent research out of
the University of Montana (only 36% of Montanans reported being tolerant of wolf trapping in
2023). Yet traps are set across public lands to appease the minority who wish to see this practice
continue. Continuing to adhere to the wishes of this fringe population goes against agency policy of
balance, as a single trap puts countless dogs and children at risk, not to mention the wildlife that call
these lands home.
We urge you to prohibit trapping in these areas so that citizens of the community can walk with
their pets and children with the assurance of safety, instead of with the constant risk of a pet or child
walking into a trap or witnessing an animal in suffering the torture that comes from being trapped.
Public safety and public recreation are more important to the community than continuing the
antiquated practices of a few hundred individuals who continue to trap animals in the state. Thank
you for your time and consideration of our request.
Sincerely,
Lizzy Pennock
Carnivore Coexistence Attorney
WildEarth Guardians